Abstract

Lactic acid production parameter optimization using Lactobacillus amylovorus NRRL B-4542 was performed using the design of experiments (DOE) available in the form of an orthogonal array and a software for automatic design and analysis of the experiments, both based on Taguchi protocol. Optimal levels of physical parameters and key media components namely temperature, pH, inoculum size, moisture, yeast extract, MgSO_4 . 7H_20, Tween 80, and corn steep liquor (CSL) were determined. Among the physical parameters, temperature contributed higher influence, and among media components, yeast extract, MgSO_4 . 7H_20, and Tween 80 played important roles in the conversion of starch to lactic acid. The expected yield of lactic acid under these optimal conditions was 95.80% and the actual yield at optimum conditions was 93.50%.

• Keywords: DOE; Lactic acid production; Lactobacillus amylovorus; Optimization; Taguchi Methodology